Role And Function Of Short Chain Fatty Acids In Rumen Epithelial Metabolism, Development And Importance Of The Rumen Epithelium In Understanding Control Of Transcriptome

Short chain fatty acids play a critical role in the development and energy metabolismof productive ruminant. The epithelial lining of the rumen has several distinctivecharacteristics which make it an important model for the study of nutrient-geneinteractions relating to animal production. Understanding the metabolism of this organ inrelationship to the whole animal is fundamental to interpreting findings using this organin vivo and in vitro for analysis of SCFA actions on the tissue. Research into theprocesses of development and differentiation of the rumen epithelium has receivedinterest in the past due to the obvious importance to production systems. In light of newabilities to assess the molecular control of mammalian function, the interaction betweenmicrobial populations and host, and the epigenetic level changes occurring in the cells,more use of this model system is likely. This chapter seeks to facilitate greater use of thismodel system by reviewing the formative findings relevant to the interpretation of futureresults. The unique occurrence of high SCFA concentrations found under normal physiologicalcircumstances in the rumen provides for a powerful model system to enhance ourunderstanding of complex control systems.